Mueller: Lombard must ‘start planning for our future’
Now is the time to plan for the future and “rediscover Lombard,” Village President Bill Mueller told about 70 people Wednesday during his 19th annual State of the Village address.
Coming off a year when the village spent $1 million less than budgeted, approved a downtown plan, hosted the International Lilac Society’s annual convention and held its first National Night Out event, Mueller told members of the Lombard Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other community leaders it’s time to be positive about Lombard’s future.
A more vibrant, connected and larger downtown, a new police station and the preservation of a golf course as recreational space are among improvements Mueller said he wants the village to begin planning for.
A facility study showed Lombard’s police and public works departments need more space, so Mueller encouraged the village board to begin planning new buildings to house those operations.
He said he plans to ask the board to consider extending the defined limits of downtown further south to the Illinois Prairie Path and planning for a village square, community center and gathering place on the former DuPage Theatre property.
“European concepts ... have town squares where people can gather and meeting places, community activities,” Mueller said. “I would like to see us get more of that in our downtown area.”
The village square would be a long-term project, but in the nearer future, Mueller said he wants village staff members to determine whether it’d be feasible to open a satellite village hall downtown to provide some services.
A second village hall location would add to a handful of new businesses soon to open and a pedestrian underpass planned for the train station that already are improving and connecting the area.
“With the construction of the underpass, our downtown will no longer be separated by railroad tracks,” Mueller said. “I invite you to rediscover Lombard and visit the many fine shops and restaurants in our downtown.”
While Lombard plans for more downtown development, Mueller said he wants to ensure the Ken-Loch Golf Links on Finley Road remains open space. He said the family that owns the land is looking to sell it, and he wants the village to consider finding money to buy it independently, or possibly in partnership with the Lombard Park District.
“Downtown Lombard, village center, the Ken-Loch golf course, facility planning — they’re all going to cost money,” Mueller said. “We don’t have the money today, but if we don’t make plans today, we won’t see it in the future. So let’s start planning for our future as we continue to move forward in our community.”